Billets Top of the Rock 2026: Vues, Prix, Coucher de Soleil

Last updated: April 25, 2026. Written by NYC Sightseeing Editor Team.

Is Top of the Rock worth it

For photography, Top of the Rock is the best observation deck in New York City. It is the only Manhattan deck that places the Empire State Building in your skyline photo, and the only one that lets you see Central Park from above. The three observation levels (67, 69, 70) give different angles and the top level is open air with low glass railings perfect for unobstructed shots.

The visit is recommended for first time visitors who plan to take photos, repeat visitors who already did the Empire State, and couples who want a quiet city-lights moment after dinner.

Types of tickets

Top of the Rock has four main ticket categories.

• Standard ticket $40: Access to all three observation levels.
• Skylift add-on $60 total: Adds the hydraulic platform above the main deck.
• VIP access $79: Skip-the-line entry, plus Skylift, plus a souvenir photo.
• Sun and Stars $79: Two visits in one day (once in daylight, once at night).

Best time to visit

The most photogenic slot is 1 hour before sunset. You enter in daylight, watch the city lights turn on, and leave in full darkness. This slot sells out 1 to 2 weeks in advance for summer dates. Midnight closing means you can also visit at 9 or 10 pm to avoid queues.

For families with kids, mid-morning (10am to 11am) is the calmest time. School groups arrive after 11.

How to get there

The entrance is on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Subway: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center on the B, D, F, M trains. From Times Square it is a 5 minute walk east. From Grand Central it is a 7 minute walk west.

Combo passes that include Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is included in New York CityPASS, Sightseeing Pass, and Go City. The Sun and Stars upgrade is usually a separate paid add-on even with a pass. CityPASS combines Top of the Rock plus Empire State Building plus 4 more attractions for around $146 (saves around 35 percent versus individual tickets).

Top Rockefeller Center experiences on Viator

Beyond the standard observation deck, Viator sells guided Rockefeller Center tours, NBC studio tours, and Top of the Rock combo packages with Empire State or Edge. Prices range $40 to $145 and most include skip-the-line entry.

Nearby attractions

Rockefeller Center sits at the center of Midtown, walkable to several other major attractions.

• Empire State Building: 12 minutes walk south. The deck you photograph from Top of the Rock.
• Central Park: 10 minutes walk north. Enter at 59th Street and follow the East Drive.
• Edge at Hudson Yards: 15 minutes by subway. Compare decks in the same evening.

Questions frequentes